February 12, 20179 yr #26 My guy enlisted on 6 January 1944. After the war he was identified as a comer and was sent to the Naval Academy Preparatory School and then to Annapolis where he graduated in the class of 1950 which is when he obtained his sword. You are right, your guy would not likely have obtained his sword during WWII not only because he was in the PTO, but also because on 29 October 1942, the Marine Corps issued Circular Letter 609 which abolished the requirements for officers to purchase and maintain a sword in order to conserve metal for the war effort. The requirement was reinstated sometime in the late '40s or '50s. I remember reading the correspondence between the Commandant and SecNavy which resulted in restoration of the mameluke, but I have not been able to find it again, so I'm not sure of the date. If any members out there know the date and/or have info on where I can find the correspondence again, I'd really appreciate their sharing it with me.
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